Cyclones make offer to Wisconsin seven-footer

Greg Ohlson

04/18/2010

Could Hartland (WI) Arrowhead High School center Ben Mills be the replacement for Justin Hamilton who decided to transfer a few weeks ago?

"I got an offer on Friday from Iowa State when Coach McDermott came to my school," said Mills. "He came to watch me work out and he has told me that they were really interested in me and that they would love to have me check out their school. He's told me he was really excited to be recruiting me."

Mills seems to be impressed with the Iowa State head coach.

"He's really a great guy and seems like someone I could play for in the future," he said. "I'm definitely going to look into them and maybe go see the school."

The 7-foot-1, 210-pound center originally signed with Boise State in the fall but his plans changed when Boise State head coach Greg Graham was fired a few weeks back. Mills hasn't ruled out going to Boise State but he has clearly opened things up since he was released from his letter-of-intent.

"It's all about relationships and when Coach Graham was fired I decided to start over with my recruitment," said Mills. "Since things opened up I have received offers from Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Xavier, and Oregon State. I feel it's a great accomplishment to get offers from these schools. It's kind of surprising but it's also very exciting."

McDermott has made it very clear on why he wants Mills at Iowa State. "He told me that he likes my versatility for a big man," said Mills. "He likes that I can play inside and out and how I could open things up for them on the offensive end."

Ben also knows that he would likely see the court right away at Iowa State but he's not sure yet whether he will be playing at all during his freshman year.

"He has mentioned to me that a center transferred and that I would have the chance to come in and compete for minutes right away," he said. "Overall, I'm not sure whether I want to play or redshirt my freshman season. It will really depend on how much weight and strength that I can add before the season begins."

So when will Ben be making his final decision?

"I'm really unsure right now because I'm right in the middle of talking things over with my parents and setting up some visits," said Mills. "Once I'm done taking my visits I should have a decision made by about a month from now."